^g^ History of the Author's 



v.'ill have less time l6 be lost by disease, or casualties, to both of wliich he must be 

 every moment subject. It is not easy for me to say what I would not have given 

 had the ram, which I have mentioned as liaving died while with the ewes, been 

 put to them soon enough to have impregnated the whole lot. Thirdly, from the 

 more early fall of the lambs, they will be more fit for breeding, if we want to use 

 tijem when 21-tooths ; and, fourthly, a longer time will be given for the growth of 

 the fleece, whether we shear it on the iamb or afterwards, making a difference of at 

 least one shilling per head in its value, and a much greater difference in its fitness for 

 laanufaciure of cloth from its superior length of filament, if clipped from the 

 ]amb. 



In order, however, that this method may be beneficially pursued, two condi- 

 tions are absolutely necessary. The lambs of the Merino, and Merino-Ryeland 

 breeds come into the world extremely bare of wool, and are, therefore, pro- 

 tionably subject to be affected by the severity of the weather at the inclement 

 season at which it is recommended that they should arrive. I think it, therefore, 

 indispensably requisite that every night the flock should be well sheltered; the awes 

 some time before and during lambing, and both ewes and lambs as long afterwards 

 as die severe weather continues. This rule should generally be observed all 

 through March; and, in deep and driving snows, and in the extremity of cold* 

 should be followed even during the day. The ingenuity of every flock-master will 

 suggest those means of effecting this purpose which are best adapted to his situa- 

 tion and circumstance, and some of which may be sufficiently economical. I have 

 myself employed sheds built round my yard, walled up at the outside, and nt the 

 ends, and thickly thatched ; or, occasionally, a large barn ; taking care to give the 

 flock plenty of straw for litter, which 1 have had carefully changed, before it be- 

 came much broken or defiled with dung. This care well repays all the expense and 

 labour. A great deal of excellent manure is thus obtained; the ewes become much 

 better milkers, and the whole flock, whether of ewes or lambs, is preserved in the 

 greatest health and vigour. This will appear from the state of my flock. Not one 

 of my ewes has died ; and out of 200 lambs, I have hitherto, April 2d, lost only 5, 

 of which two were from 2-iooths, and one was produced dead. 



In the union of the ram and ewes, there is one point of convenience to which it 

 is well worth while to attend. It is absolutely necessary, for the safety both of the 

 ewes and lanabs, that the shepherd should constantly watch the flock, night and day, 



